Explosive enclosure apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus which, in a plurality of similar and suitably positioned preferred embodiments, can be adapted for the particular function of removing debris, such as nuclear attack ejecta, from an area, a surface, and the like, such as the top surface of a Minuteman missile silo which is openable and is closeable by a closure that is in the closed mode at the time of the removal of the debris. A representative preferred embodiment of the inventive explosive enclosure apparatus comprises: a first cover made of ablative material; a second cover below of, abutting with, and attached to, the first cover; a first &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;L&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;shaped component, a rectangularly-shaped solid member, a second and smaller &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;L&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;-shaped component (i.e., a directional offset component), all three of which are suitably disposed below the second cover; and explosive train located below the second cover and bounded in part by the directional offset component; and, a housing to contain the second cover, the first and second &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;L&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;shaped components, the rectangularly-shaped member, and the explosive train. If a plurality of the inventive enclosures are suitably disposed adjacent to the missile silo closure, and if the explosive train is initiated and the explosive charge within the inventive apparatus is subsequently detonated, the first and second covers are blown off. The movement of said covers is upwardly and away from the missile silo launch tube, because of the directional offset, thereby precluding the covers from falling back in close proximity to the original location, and thereby simultaneously removing any debris which is near and/or is adjacent to the missile silo closure. The closure can then be moved to the open mode without the danger of any debris falling into the launch tube; and, therefore, the missile may be timely and safely launched.

United States Patent [191 Murakami Apr. 2, 1974 EXPLOSIVE ENCLOSURE APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Robert E. Murakami, Seattle, Wash.

[73] Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC.

[22] Filed: Mar. 21, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 343,316

[52] US. Cl 102/1 R, 89/1.8l7, 102/22 [51] llnt. Cl. F42d 3/00 [58] Field of Search 102/27, 22, 24, 1; 89/1.8, 89/1.8l6, 1.817, 1

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,135,163 6/1964 Mechlin, Jr. et al 89/].817 X 3,562,953 2/1971 Prickett et al. 89/l.8l7 X Primary Examiner-Samuel W. Engle [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus which, in a plurality of similar and suitably positioned preferred embodiments, can be adapted for the particular function of removing debris, such as nuclear attack ejecta, from an area, a surface, and the like, such as the top surface of a Minuteman missile silo which is openable and is closeable by a closure that is in the closed mode at the time of the removal of the debris. A representative preferred embodiment of the inventive explosive enclosure apparatus comprises: a first cover made of ablative material; a second cover below of, abutting with, and attached to, the first cover; a first L-shaped component, a rectangularly-shaped solid member, a second and smaller L"-shaped component (i.e., a directional offset component), all three of which are suitably disposed below the second cover; and explosive train located below the second cover and bounded in part by the directional ofiset component; and. a housing to contain'the second cover, the first and second shaped components, the rcctangularIy-shaped member, and the explosive train. If a plurality of the inven tive enclosures are suitably disposed adjacent to the missile silo closure, and if the explosive train is initiated and the explosive charge within the inventive apparatus is subsequently detonated, the first and second covers are blown off. The movement of said covers is upwardly and away from the missile silo launch tube, because of the directional offset, thereby precluding the covers from falling back in close proximity to the original location, and thereby simultaneously removing any debris which is near and/or is adjacent to the missile silo closure. The closure can then be moved to the open mode without the danger of any debris falling into the launch tube; and, therefore, the missile may be timely and safely launched.

2 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED R 2 I974 SHEET 1 [IF 2 FIG J EXPLOSIVE ENCLOSURE APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a novel explosive enclosure assembly and, more particularly, to an adaptation of a plurality thereto for the particular use of removing debris, such as nuclear attack ejects, from an area, a surface, and the like, such as from the top surface of a Minuteman missile site. It is to be noted that this adaptation is by way of illustration only, and not by way of any limitation of my invention.

In essence, the Minuteman missile sites referred to are of the type known in the art as hard or hardened. Generally, each site has, but need not have, a plurality of Minuteman missiles, with each missile deployed underground. The Minuteman missile is an intercontinental ballistic missile (hereinafter referred to as ICBM) of the solid propellant type. Each Minuteman missile is always ready in a vertical position for immediate launching from a silo-like emplacement (hereinafter referred to as a silo) which is in the nature of essentially a hole that has an open top and that is lined with or by a missile launch tube. The open top of the silo is closed (or opened, as necessary) by a slideably movable cover (hereinafter referred to as the closure). The missile is launched (i.e., fired") from within the silo, and while below the ground surface.

A severe disadvantage and a great limitation of the Minuteman ICBM deterrent force are that debris, such as the aforesaid nuclear attack ejecta, may fall on (or otherwise become located on), near, and/or adjacent to the top of the missile silo. This debris or ejecta may fall into the silo and, thereby, substantially delay or even prevent the firing of the missile. Since the launch of the missile is intended solely as a retaliatory action against an overt attacking enemy, time is truly and is critically of the essence. Any delay in launching any one of the plurality of the Minuteman ICBMs may ultimately be catastrophic to our nation and may irreparably and adversely affect the survival of our nation.

Clearly, what is surely needed, and what has been long sought in the interest of national security, is a reliable and fail-safe apparatus for removing any debris, nuclear attack ejecta or otherwise, from on, near, and- /or adjacent to the silo closure and, thereby, preventing the debris, of whatever type and however accumulated, from falling into the silo and, of course, the missile launch tube therein.

I have invented such a much-needed apparatus; and, therefore, I have significantly advanced the state-ofthe-art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to a unique apparatus in the structural form of an explosive enclosure assembly and which, in its preferred embodiment, is adapted for the particular use of removing debris, such as nuclear attack ejecta, from on, near, and/or adjacent to the slideably movable closure or cover of a Minuteman ICBM silo.

Therefore, the principal object of this invention is to provide, and to teach, a unique and novel explosive enclosure assembly which is adaptable for the abovementioned use.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a debris-clearing apparatus wherein explosive are components, and wherein the use of said explosives is absolutely safe to personnel making, using, or otherwise handling the apparatus.

These objects, and still other related and equally important objects, of my invention (such, for example, as the relative simplicity of the apparatus and its fail-safe reliability) will become readily apparent after a consideration of the description of the invention, coupled with reference to the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation view, in simplified schematic and diagrammatic form, partially in cross section and partially fragmented, of a representative Minuteman ICBM in its underground silo;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view, in simplified schematic form, of a plurality of my inventive apparatuses as disposed in relation to the top of, and to the closure or cover to, the missile silo and site, with directional arrows showing the direction of flight of some components of my inventive apparatuses, and also showing in phantom the periphery of the open top of the missile launch tube which is below the closure;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, in schematic form, partially in cross section and partially fragmented, of a representative preferred embodiment of the adaptation of my inventive apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, in schematic form and in cross section, of the representative preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and as taken along, and viewed from, line 4-4 in FIG. 2 and said FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view, in schematic form, in cross section, and partially fragmented of the positional relationship of the representative preferred embodiment of my inventive apparatus, of the missile silo closure, and of the pertinent features adjacent to and/or near the preferred embodiment and the missile silo.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to FIG. 1, therein is shown in a partially cross sectioned and partially fragmented view, a representative Minuteman solid propellant ICBM 10 in its underground launch silo, which said silo is generally designated by the reference numeral 20.

The silo is below ground level 30 in a hole 31 which has an open top 32 and includes: a launch tube (or launch tube liner) 21 which has an open top 22; a slideably movable closure (i.e., cover) 23 to close the launch tube 21 and to protect it 21 and the missile 10 therein, or to slideably move and permit the firing and the launching of the missile 10 from within the launch tube 21 and out of the open top 22 of the tube 21 and out of the open top 32 of the hole 31; and, an abutment 40.

Also shown in FIG. 1, solely for information and orientation purposes, are missile mounting ring 24 and a plurality of launch tube shock absorbers 25, 26 and 27.

With reference to FIG. 2, therein is shown a top plan view of the top of the top of the missile launch silo 20. The slideably movable closure 23, which has a perimeter 23A, is positioned in the closed mode; and, a plurality of my inventive apparatuses A, 50B, 50C, 50D, and 50E are suitably disposed to accomplish the intended purpose. Also shown are the abutment 40; the

periphery 21A of the missile launch tube 21; and, the open top 22 of the launch tube 21.

With reference to FIG. 3, therein is shown in a top plan view, partially in cross section and partially fragmented, a representative preferred embodiment 50A of my inventive apparatus, as positioned in abutment 40. It is here again noted that my invention, as represented by the plurality of preferred embodiments 50A50E, inclusive, is adapted for the function of removing debris which is adjacent to, next to, and the like, closure 23, FIGS. 1 and 2, of the underground missile launch silo 20, and thereby to prevent the debris from falling into the launch tube 21, FIGS. 1 and 2.

Again, with reference to FIG. 3, the representative preferred embodiment 50A of my inventive apparatus includes: a first cover 51 made of ablative material and having a top surface 51A and a bottom surface 518; a second cover (not shown in FIG. 3, but shown in other Figures to be discussed hereinafter) positioned below of, and abutting with, the bottom surface 51B of first cover 51; a first L-shaped component 53 positioned below, and attached to, the second cover; a member substantially in the shape of a rectangular solid (not shown in FIG. 3, but shown in other Figures to be discussed hereinafter) positioned between the second cover and attached to the first L-shaped component 53; a second L"-shaped component 55, smaller in size than the first L-shaped component 53, positioned between the second cover and the rectangular solidshaped member, and fixedly attached to the second cover; an explosive train 56, which includes an explosive charge subassembly 57 and a detonator subassembly 58 in cooperative association with the explosive charge subassembly 57, with the explosive train 56 located below the second cover, generally above and bounded by the first L-shaped component 53, and generally also bounded by the second L-shaped component 55; and, a housing 60 to contain the second cover, the first L-shaped component 53, the rectangular solid-shaped member, and the explosive train 56.

With reference to FIG. 4, therein is shown in a side elevation, in schematic form and in cross section, the representative preferred embodiment 50A of my inventive apparatus, as shown in FIG. 3 and as viewed from line 4-4 of said FIG. 3 and also of FIG. 2, and as positioned in abutment 40. First cover 51 is made of ablative material and has a top surface 51A and a bottom surface 51B. Second cover 52 has a top surface 52A and a bottom surface 528; is positioned below the first cover 51; and, the top surface 52A abuts with the bottom surface 518 of the first cover 51. The first L- shaped component 53 is three-dimensional; has a long leg 53A and a short leg 53B; and, is positioned essentially horizontally below the second cover 52, with the short leg 53B substantially upright and attached to the bottom surface 528 of second cover 52. The rectangularly-shaped solid member 54 has a first edge 54A, a second edge 548, a top surface 54C, and a bottom surface 54D; is positioned angularly (i.e., inclined) between the second cover 52 and the first L"-shaped component 53; and, the first edge 54A of member 54 is attached to the bottom surface 52B of the second cover 52, and the second edge 54B of member 54 is attached to the long leg 53A of L-shaped component 53. The second L-shaped component 55 is also three-dimensional; also has a long leg 55A and a short leg 55B; and, is smaller in size than the first I..-shaped compoment 53. The short leg 55B (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the directional offset") of component 55 is positioned angularly (i.e., inclined) between the second cover 52 and the rectangularly-shaped member 54, preferably at an angle of approximately and is fixedly attached to the bottom surface 528 of the second cover 52. The long leg 55A of component 55 abuts with the top surface 54C of the rectangularlyshaped solid member 54; and, is fixedly attached to the bottom surface 52B of the second cover 52. As a result, second L-shaped component 55 is integrated with the second cover 52; and, the short leg 55B of component 55 becomes, and acts as (i.e., functions as), a directional offset with a pressure face.

Again with reference to FIG. 4, the representative preferred embodiment 50A of my inventive apparatus also comprises an explosive train assembly 56 (hereinafter referred to as the explosive train) which includes an explosive charge subassembly 57, and a detonator (train) subassembly 58 in connection with, and in cooperative association with, the explosive charge subassembly 57. Also shown in FIG. 4 is housing 60 of the representative preferred embodiment 50A of my inventive explosive enclosure apparatus. Further shown in FIG. 4 is a directional arrow, generally designated A, showing the approximate direction of flight of first cover 51 and of second cover 52 when the explosive train 56 is initiated (i.e., is activated) and ultimately causes an explosion.

With reference to FIG. 5, therein is shown, in a side elevation view, in cross section, and partially fragmented, the positional relationship of the representative preferred embodiment 50A of my inventive explosive enclosure apparatus, of the missile silo closure 23, of the ground level 30, of the abutment 40, and of the underground launch tube 21 and the periphery 21A thereof. Also shown, in simplified form, is the relative position of the various components, members, and elements of my inventive apparatus 50A, such as: first cover 51; second cover 52; first L-shaped component 53; rectangular solid-shaped member 54; second L-shaped component 55; explosive train 56 with explosive charge subassembly 57; and, housing 60. Further shown are explosive flight directional arrow A, and the preferred angle of approximately 120 degrees between directional offset 558 and second cover 52.

MODE OF OPERATION OF THE REPRESENTATIVE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The mode of operation of the representative preferred embodiment 50A, FIGS. 2, 3, 4 & 5, of my inventive explosive expulsion apparatus, as adapted for the particular use of removing debris from on, near, and/or adjacent to the slideably movable closure 23 of a Minuteman. ICMB silo, is easily understood from the foregoing description, coupled with reference to FIGS. 1-5, inclusive.

Succintly, and in essence, when the explosive train 56 is initiated, such as by suitable conventional remote means, the detonator is activated and, sequentially, the explosive charge is exploded, with the resultant development of high pressure internal of the explosive enclosure apparatus 50A and, more specifically, internal of the volume bounded and defined in part by directional offset (i.e., short leg) 55B, FIGS. 4 and 5, by the top surface 54C of rectangularly-shaped solid 54, FIGS. 4

and 5, by the long leg 53A of component 53, FIGS. 4 and 5, by the short leg 53B of the same component 53, and by the bottom surface 528 of second cover 52. The high pressure acts on the bottom surface 528 of second cover 52 and on the pressure face (i.e., the exposed surface) of directional offset 558. Therefore, covers 51 and 52 are blown off each of their representative explosive enclosure apparatuses, such as 50A. Covers 51 and 52 move upwardly due to the pressure on bottom surface 528 of cover 52; and, said covers 51 and 52 move in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis due to the pressure on the pressure face of directional offset 55B.

When the explosive charge 57 is detonated and the covers'51 and 52 are blown off of the explosive enclosure apparatus, such as 50A, and off of the abutment 40. The movement of the covers 51 and 52, as indicated by arrows in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, is directionally controlled by the angular position of the directional offset 558, with the result that the covers 51 and 52 are directed away from the launch tube area 21 and are precluded from falling back on, or in close proximity to, their original location. This movement of the covers 51 and 52, coupled with the gaseous products of the explosion, clears away any debris which is on top of, or is abutting on, the top of cover 51, thereby preventing that debris from falling into launch tube 21.

With reference to FIG. 2, if one assumes that a par ticular Minuteman silo, such as 20, FIG. 2, is closed by a slideably movable closure 23, and if one also assumes that a plurality of my inventive explosive enclosure apparatuses which are similar, such as 50A-50E, inclusive, FIG. 2, are suitably disposed adjacent to the perimeter 23A of closure 23 and are partially within abutment 40, with first cover 51 approximately at ground level, as shown in FIG. 2, and if one further assumes that debris, such as nuclear attack ejecta, is near and/or is adjacent to closure 23 and is on and/or abutting the first cover of each of the suitably positioned explosive enclosures SOA-SOE, inclusive, then it will be readily apparent to the reader that the debris will be removed when the explosive enclosures are detonated and the respective covers are blown off thereof. The closure 23 thereafter may be slideably moved to its open mode thereby exposing the open top 22 of the launch tube 21 without any debris falling into the launch tube 21. As a result, the Minuteman missile 10, FIG. 1, may be launched (i.e., fired) in a timely manner and safely.

CONCLUSION It is clear from all of the foregoing and from the drawings herein, that the desired objects of my inventive apparatus have been attained.

It is emphasized that, although there have been shown and described the fundamental unique features of my invention, as applied to a preferred embodiment adapted for a particular use, it is to be understood that various other embodiments, substitutions, additions, omissions, adaptations, and the like can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. An explosive enclosure apparatus, comprising:

a. a first cover made of ablative material and having a top surface and a bottom surface;

b. a second cover having a top surface and a bottom surface, and with said second cover positioned below said first cover, and with the top surface of said second cover abutting with the bottom surface of said first cover;

c. a first component substantially in the shape of a three-dimensional L" having a long leg and a short leg, with said component positioned essentially horizontally below said second cover with the short leg of said L-shaped component substantially upright and attached to the bottom surface of said second cover;

d. a member substantially in the shape of a rectangu' lar solid having a first edge and a second edge and a top surface and a bottom surface, with said mem ber positioned angularly between said second cover and said first L"-shaped component, and with the first edge of said rectangular solid-shaped member attached to the long leg of said first shaped component;

e. a second component substantially in the shape of a three-dimensional L having a long leg and a short leg, with said second L-shaped component smaller in size than said first L-shape component, and with the short leg of said second L"- shaped component positioned angularly between said second cover and said rectangular solidshaped member, and with the short leg of said second L-shaped component fixedly attached to the bottom surface of said second cover, and also with the long leg of said second L"-shaped component abutting with the top surface of said rectangular solid-shaped member and fixedly attached to the bottom surface of said second cover, whereby said second L"-shaped component is integrated with said second cover, and whereby the short leg of said second L"-shaped component becomes, and acts as, a directional offset.

an explosive train located below said second cover,

above the long leg of said first L-shaped component, and bounded by the short leg of said first L-shaped component and by the short leg of said second L-shaped component, with said explosive train including an explosive charge subassembly and a detonator train subassembly cooperatively associated with said explosive charge subassembly.

g. and, a housing to contain said second cover, said first IF-shaped component, said rectangular solid-shaped member, said second L-shaped component, and said explosive train.

2. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second L"-shaped component, which is positioned angularly between said second cover and said rectangular solid-shaped member, forms an angle of approximately between the bottom surface of said second cover and the directional offset short leg of said second shaped component. 

1. An explosive enclosure apparatus, comprising: a. a first cover made of ablative material and having a top surface and a bottom surface; b. a second cover having a top surface and a bottom surface, and with said second cover positioned below said first cover, and with the top surface of said second cover abutting with the bottom surface of said first cover; c. a first component substantially in the shape of a threedimensional ''''L'''' having a long leg and a short leg, with said component positioned essentially horizontally below said second cover with the short leg of said ''''L''''-shaped component substantially upright and attached to the bottom surface of said second cover; d. a member substantially in the shape of a rectangular solid having a first edge and a second edge and a top surface and a bottom surface, with said member positioned angularly between said second cover and said first ''''L''''-shaped component, and with the first edge of said rectangular solid-shaped member attached to the long leg of said first ''''L''''-shaped component; e. a second component substantially in the shape of a threedimensional ''''L'''' having a long leg and a short leg, with said second ''''L''''-shaped component smaller in size than said first ''''L''''-shape component, and with the short leg of said second ''''L''''-shaped component positioned angularly between said second cover and said rectangular solid-shaped member, and with the short leg of said second ''''L''''-shaped component fixedly attached to the bottom surface of said second cover, and also with the long leg of said second ''''L''''-shaped component abutting with the top surface of said rectangular solid-shaped member and fixedly attached to the bottom surface of said second cover, whereby said second ''''L''''-shaped component is integrated with said second cover, and whereby the short leg of said second ''''L''''-shaped component becomes, and acts as, a directional offset. f. an explosive train located below said second cover, above the long leg of said first ''''L''''-shaped component, and bounded by the short leg of said first ''''L''''-shaped component and by the short leg of said second ''''L''''-shaped component, with said explosive train including an explosive charge subassembly and a detonator train subassembly cooperatively associated with said explosive charge subassembly. g. and, a housing to contain said second cover, said first ''''L''''-shaped component, said rectangular solid-shaped member, said second ''''L''''-shaped component, and said explosive train.
 2. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second ''''L''''-shaped component, which is positioned angularly between said second cover and said rectangular solid-shaped member, forms an angle of approximately 120* between the bottom surface of said second cover and the directional offset short leg of said second ''''L''''-shaped component. 